National Council of Women Fiji is set to embark on a project that aims to increase the representation of women in parliament, administrative boards and councils in Fiji. The project, Civic Education and Empowerment for More Parliamentarians in Fiji, is funded by the United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF) and looks at increasing the participation of women within the broader Fijian community in political processes and civic leadership. “As you will be aware the National Council for Women Fiji is involved in various civic education projects for the raising of awareness of women’s organisations and women in the community on elections, voter rights,” said NCW Fiji president, Tauga Vulaono. “Accordingly the National Council for W omen Fiji has entered into partnership with the United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF) for the conduct of civic education and empowerment for more women in parliament and all levels of leadership,” Vulaono said.

UNDEF finances projects that build and strengthen democratic institutions, promote human rights, and ensure the participation of all groups in democratic processes. The Fund provides assistance to governmental, nongovernmental, national, regional, and international organizations, including relevant United Nations departments, offices, funds, programmes and agencies. "We will be officially launching this project on Friday 25th October 2013 from 10:00am, at the Girl Guides Association Hall in Suva," she said. United Nations Resident Representative, Osnat Lubrani is expected to officiate at the function.